Praises and more praises

Happy Saturday!

We have a lot to be thankful for concerning Mason and Grammy. After 4 months the wound on Grammy's leg has completely healed.  She is very glad to not have me change the dressing on her leg every other day and to take showers without plastic bags.

In addition, she has been cleared to start walking on her broken leg.  It was a long journey, but we truly feel the broken leg was a blessing, as ironic as that sounds.  Her orthopedic doctor said that her wound on her right leg was so severe that she was close to losing her leg.  We cannot say how grateful we are for his excellent attention to both legs. 

Our continue prayer request for Grammy is to regain her strength.  With each injury, she never fully returns to her previous strength or stamina.

It has been almost a month since Mason received a feeding tube.  God has really been with us throughout this change in our lives.  Mason went into the surgery very apprehensive.  His anxiety was very high and he didn't want to discuss anything about it.  He would not allow me to take pictures at the hospital because he did not want to remember anything from his stay.

The surgery itself was quick and he had no complications.  Within hours of the surgery Mason was receiving Pedialyte through the feeding tube and by evening he started with Pediasure.  We cannot express how relieved we feel for him to receive adequate nutrition.  It is a like a burden has been lifted that we didn't realize we were carrying.

By the second feeding, Mason began showing ownership of his feeding tube and the feedings.  We really worried that he would be resistant and stubborn, but this has not happened.  He has done a great job.  He helps us in numerous ways, including reminding us to feed him (new normal), holding the feeding tubes, etc.  It has truly been an answer to prayer.

We were hoping for the "Popeye effect"...you know, Mason eats his can of Pediasure and he miraculously returns to a happy boy with no academic or behavioral issues.  Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that.  We are taking this journey in baby steps.    We do see a happier Mason, which is great, but he still struggles with anger issues and academic struggles. 

We meet with his school this coming Friday to set up his IEP (Individualized Education Plan)...Please pray for wisdom and cooperation from his school.  We also need to find a therapist who specializes in Aspergers, but they are not covered by our insurance. Mason must develop anger management and coping skills before he can begin the feeding therapy at the Children's Hospital in Birmingham AL. 

Thanks again for all your prayers.  We cannot express how loved and supported we feel by everyone,

Mary